2011 Hyundai Elantra

Buy it Now

Product Review

GHRI RATING:

3.9

About Institute Ratings

About GHRI Ratings

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Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) ratings are based on laboratory tests conducted by our scientists at the U.S.'s foremost consumer products evaluation laboratory, and incorporate consumer feedback. GHRI is situated on the 29th floor of the Hearst Tower in New York City and is staffed by chemists, engineers, nutritionists, textile specialists, culinary experts, and other scientists.

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Pros

Impressive styling

Good performance

Great fuel economy without a hybrid price tag

Cons

Bouncy ride at times

Transmission is a bit sluggish

Engine noise at higher engine speeds

With its sporty handling and zippy acceleration, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra offers plenty of pleasant surprises for an economy car

With its sporty handling and zippy acceleration, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra offers plenty of pleasant surprises for an economy car. Pair that with its impressively ergonomic interior and nice price and you have one fine, gas-conserving hybrid alterative  and our top pick for a budget vehicle.

The Elantra is peppy and fun to drive, especially on rural roads. We found the transmission a little hesitant at times though, and the engine can make a racket when accelerating. Braking, in any condition, was strong and smooth. While generally comfortable, the somewhat stiff suspension can be bumpy. The sloping exterior lines of the car cut into window size, and rear visibility.

The Elantras strikingly aggressive look and sweeping lines carry into the cabin with an intuitively laid out set of console controls, a button to activate hands-free voice commands via bluetooth, and steering column-mounted buttons. The climate and audio controls were a cinch to adjust, although for a car with such excellent gas mileage we hoped for more in the way of driver feedback displays. While the cabin layout is well thought out, its also a bit cramped; you certainly wouldnt want to pack a whole family in for a daylong drive.

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